Wales has joined the UNITE European Digital Health Valleys project after securing more than £700,000 to support its participation.
The digital health project was created to bridge Europe’s digital health divide and transform healthcare through technology innovation.
It is funded through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme and brings together European regions to build a connected digital health ecosystem.
The project is intended to support the development, testing and expansion of new healthcare technologies.
The Welsh Government said it is the first EU grant it has secured since Brexit.
Adam Price, cabinet minister for enterprise, connectivity and energy, said: “Driving innovation-led economic growth, strengthening Wales’ international partnerships, and ensuring new technologies deliver tangible benefits for public services and businesses across Wales are key pillars of our new economic productivity mission.
“This major initiative will deliver on all those fronts, with a focus on addressing shared healthcare challenges such as the needs of ageing populations and workforce pressures by connecting industry, healthcare providers, academia and the public sector.
More than £700,000 will support Wales’ participation and help Welsh organisations take part in new funding and partnership opportunities.
Welsh small and medium-sized enterprises, health boards, universities and innovation organisations are being encouraged to engage early, develop partnerships and prepare project ideas addressing key healthcare challenges.
Price said: “As a UNITE partner region Wales will play a central role in a shaping a new digital health innovation ecosystem and gain access to a network of European digital health regions, opening up new opportunities for our most innovative sector organisations to collaborate internationally and access funding.
“Crucially, this will support the adoption of innovative solutions for NHS Wales while strengthening Wales’ position in the global digital health market.”
